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[Endovascular surgery in the war]
1Chair of Battlefield Surgery, Military Medical Academy named after S.M. Kirov of the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation, St. Petersburg, Russia.
Summary
Endovascular surgery, including aortic repair and angioembolization, is increasingly feasible for battlefield injuries. Training surgeons in these advanced intravascular interventions is crucial for modern combat care.
Area of Science:
- Military Medicine
- Vascular Surgery
- Medical Technology
Context:
- Battlefield surgery is rapidly evolving with advancements in medical technology.
- Endovascular techniques are increasingly integrated into the diagnosis and treatment of combat casualties.
Purpose:
- To analyze and generalize data on the use of endovascular surgery for combat vascular injuries based on current publications.
- To review the historical implementation and current capabilities of endovascular interventions in war zones.
Summary:
- The first intravascular intervention in combat was endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta during the Korean War.
- Post-2001, US military surgeons began performing delayed endovascular operations, including filter placement, angioembolization, and stenting, in Afghanistan and Iraq.
- The first endovascular thoracic aortic repair in a war zone occurred in 2008.
- Russian experience is limited, with endovascular operations for combat vascular injury being rare despite available technology.
Impact:
- Foreign experience demonstrates the feasibility of endovascular interventions in tertiary military hospitals for war-time injuries.
- Implementing basic endovascular surgery training is essential for preparing battlefield surgeons for modern combat operations.